Fall 2023

This project explores the spatial dynamics within the Al Za’atari refugee camp. Residents have shaped their environments at various scales—personal, familial, and communal. I selected a school for my program, as it embodies a microcosm of community life. The school’s design mirrors the spatial hierarchy of the camp, with distinct areas representing the classroom, grade level, and community at large. On the island, housing units with 4, 2, and 1 bedrooms share an equal footprint, creating opportunities for gardens and neighborly interactions in the spaces between. Each unit is linked to a central park, fostering a sense of connection across the community.